Door County woman sentenced for baby's death

Sturgeon Bay - A Door County mother has been sentenced to three years in prison for the death of her infant daughter.

Melissa Martinez, 34, was sentenced Thursday. After serving her prison time, Martinez will be on extended supervision for four years.

In June, Martinez pleaded no contest to neglecting a child with the consequence of death.

Prosecutors said Martinez left Elena in a sport utility vehicle in the driveway of their home for several hours in October 2011. Authorities said Martinez's blood alcohol level was three times the level considered evidence of intoxication for drivers four hours after the baby was found unresponsive.

WLUK-TV reported Martinez pleaded with the judge to consider her progress in alcohol rehab. But Judge Todd Ehlers told Martinez that her daughter is dead "because of your decision to drink."